Emory vs Brandeis — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Emory is the more selective of the two (10.7% vs 40.5% acceptance). Emory ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #301-400). Emory graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($80K vs $77K). Emory has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,280 vs $68,080 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Emory for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Emory is more selective (10.7% vs 40.5% acceptance); Emory has a higher median SAT (1520 vs 1462).
Emory graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($80K vs $77K); Emory has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.1% vs 86%).
Emory has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,280 vs $68,080); Emory offers a larger average aid package ($67,329 vs $57,507).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Emory | Brandeis |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 10.7% | 40.5% |
| Yield rate | 40.4% | 17.5% |
| Median SAT | 1520 | 1462 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 34,614 | 10,462 |
| International students | 19% | 34% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $80K | $77K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $84K | $69K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $120K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 91.1% | 86% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 87% |
| Median debt | $18,250 | $25,648 |
| Tuition · year | $64,280 | $68,080 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,329 | $57,507 |
| % of need met | 99.9% | 94.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,562 | $27,004 |
| Application fee | $75 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 15,179 | 5,205 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Emory or Brandeis?
It's harder to get into Emory. Emory accepts 10.7% of applicants, while Brandeis accepts 40.5%.
Do Emory or Brandeis graduates earn more?
Emory graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $80K vs $77K.
How much is tuition at Emory vs Brandeis?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,280 per year at Emory and $68,080 per year at Brandeis.
What SAT score do you need for Emory or Brandeis?
The median admitted SAT score is 1520 at Emory and 1462 at Brandeis; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Emory or Brandeis?
Emory ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Emory vs #301-400 for Brandeis.
Which university offers more financial aid — Emory or Brandeis?
The average aid package is $67,329 at Emory and $57,507 at Brandeis.
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